World War II

World War II

Chicago Tribune historical photo

At 4 feet 7 1/2 inches, Robert Joyce of Villa Park was the tallest of three dwarfs sealing and riveting the gas tanks of C-54 cargo planes built at Douglas Aircraft Company in Park Ridge, Ill., in 1944. The tanks were so small that it was much easier for a short person to crawl around in them than an average-size man. For Joyce and the others, World War II was a chance to show that, as the Tribune said, "a little man can do a big job."

At 4 feet 7 1/2 inches, Robert Joyce of Villa Park was the tallest of three dwarfs sealing and riveting the gas tanks of C-54 cargo planes built at Douglas Aircraft Company in Park Ridge, Ill., in 1944. The tanks were so small that it was much easier for a short person to crawl around in them than an average-size man. For Joyce and the others, World War II was a chance to show that, as the Tribune said, "a little man can do a big job." (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

At 4 feet 7 1/2 inches, Robert Joyce of Villa Park was the tallest of three dwarfs sealing and riveting the gas tanks of C-54 cargo planes built at Douglas Aircraft Company in Park Ridge, Ill., in 1944. The tanks were so small that it was much easier for a short person to crawl around in them than an average-size man. For Joyce and the others, World War II was a chance to show that, as the Tribune said, "a little man can do a big job."Chicago Tribune historical photo